CAMPAIGN ’88 : School Flag Pledge Gets a Salute From Reagan
President Reagan, supporting George Bush’s stance, indicated Wednesday that he sees nothing wrong with requiring teachers to lead students in the Pledge of Allegiance, saying “that’s what they’re there for.”
During a White House photo session with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Reagan was asked about the pledge to the flag. He said: “I’ve seen many children today who don’t know what they’re supposed to do when the national anthem is played or when the flag goes by. I remember that I learned all that in school. Why shouldn’t they?”
Vice President Bush, the Republican presidential nominee, has criticized his Democratic rival, Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis, for vetoing as unconstitutional state legislation that would have required schoolteachers to lead recitations of the pledge.
Reagan was asked Wednesday if he believed teachers should be forced to lead pupils in saying the pledge. He replied: “That’s what they’re there for. Their job is to teach something.”
As for the controversy over the issue, the President said: “I’ve kind of enjoyed it.”
Dukakis has said he does not oppose schoolchildren reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and he has accused Bush of questioning his patriotism and using smear tactics reminiscent of the late Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy.
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